SHILLONG, Aug 26: Former Cabinet minister and senior BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek has termed the decision of the state government to spend Rs 14 crore to organise a series of festivals in the name of promoting tourism as “wasteful expenditure”.
Talking to reporters here on Friday, Hek said all the festivals organised by the incumbent government in the past have resulted in failure.
“We would have appreciated the government if such festivals are able to generate employment opportunities for the youth. Sadly these festivals end up as events for enjoyment and pleasure and nothing else. Therefore, I do not see any justification in Rs 14 crore being earmarked for these festivals,” Hek said.
He argued that the funds earmarked for the various festivals should be put to better use by clearing the pending salaries of the teachers and the contractual employees working in various government departments.
Hek also blamed the state government for failing to create infrastructure to attract tourists. “We are managing to attract tourists because we are blessed with good weather and natural tourist destinations,” Hek said.
Hek also slammed the government for spending money on festivals on one hand and burdening the citizens by increasing the state tax on petrol and diesel to generate additional revenue.
People will face the brunt since price of essential commodities will increase due to the hike in petrol and diesel prices, he said.
Hek also referred to the termination of the contract with GVK EMRI to run the 108 emergency services and said people were suffering since the 108 ambulance service was no longer functional.
“This shows that the government is prioritising other things while ignoring issues affecting the day-to-day life of the common citizens,” he added.
‘Not involved in nephew’s candidature’
The five-time MLA from Pynthorumkhrah denied speculations that his nephew, Rocky Hek, had decided to contest the 2023 Assembly polls from the NPP as part of an “internal arrangement” to ensure his victory.
There are speculations that Rocky’s decision to contest from Pynthorumkhrah is a ploy by Hek to split the Khasi votes in the constituency to deny victory to Congress candidate and MPCC working president Pynshngainlang N Syiem.
“I will not indulge in such cheap political tactic,” Hek said, arguing that he cannot prevent his nephew from contesting the elections.
“You cannot impose your decisions on your children or nephew when they grow up. They take decisions on their own,” he reasoned.
Hek was confident that he would retain the seat in 2023 due to the love and support of the people of the constituency.
He was also hopeful that the BJP would be able to lead the next government in the state if it manages to win 15 seats.
Claiming that the party has the potential to win 15 seats, he said that it would depend on the quality of the candidates. “We are targeting to put up candidates in 40 constituencies,” he added.